Corner (1916)

Another complex and literary screenplay by C. Gardner Sullivan distinguished the Thomas H. Ince production The Corner. George Fawcett heads the cast as David Waltham, described in the film's souvenir program as "a speculator in food products." Through a series of clever and not altogether honest negotiations, Waltham corners the food market, resulting in the closing of several mom-and-pop companies. Among those affected is engineer John Adams (Willard Scott), who is cut off without a cent when the cannery where he works is shuttered as a result of Waltham's business transactions. To feed his starving family, Adams resorts to stealing and is sent to jail for thirty days. Meanwhile, Adams' wife (Clara Williams) is forced to give herself to a rapacious rent collector (Charles Miller) so that she can afford to buy food for her children. Released from jail, Adams is appalled to discovers the depths to which his wife has sunk, whereupon he begins to plan a horrible revenge against the heartless David Waltham. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi